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Conte wants more signings after Arsenal defeat

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reiterated his desire to bring in more fresh faces before the end of the transfer window.

Reports indicate the Premier League champions could be set to make a £60million move for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk and it’s clear that Conte would like to buy some reinforcements.

After being asked again about the need to strengthen his squad, he answered: “I have replied to this question [about new players]. I hope in the future to have a different question.

“My reply is always the same, otherwise it means I was telling you a lie.”

The Blues missed out to Manchester United in their bid to sign striker Romelu Lukaku with Diego Costa told he has no future at Stamford Bridge.

Despite bringing Tiemoue Bakayoko, Willy Caballero, Antonio Rudiger and Alvaro Morata this summer, Conte is reportedly unhappy after Nemanja Matic was sold to the Red Devils.

Chelsea lost on Sunday to Arsenal in the Community Shield on penalties. Victor Moses had put the Blues ahead just after half-time only for Sead Kolasinac to cancel out that strike only eight minutes later.

Conte’s side, who played part of the match with ten men following Pedro’s sending off, were defeated on penalties with Thibaut Courtois and Alvaro Morata missing spot-kicks.

“For sure there is disappointment to finish for the second time with 10 men against Arsenal,” Conte said. “I didn’t see the images. I didn’t see also the yellow card for Willian.

“A lot of people told me the penalty was clear. For sure there is a bit of frustration, but you know very well we have to respect referees decisions. But sometimes these decisions make you a bit angry.”